A stroke can happen suddenly, but many of the factors that increase stroke risk develop over time.
Understanding what increases the risk of stroke can help individuals and families recognize potential risk factors and take steps to manage them. According to the CDC and American Stroke Association, conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity can all increase the risk of stroke.
For older adults and families caring for someone with limited mobility, understanding stroke risk is especially important. A stroke can affect movement, balance, speech, vision, and the ability to perform everyday activities independently.
In this guide, we'll look at some of the most common stroke risk factors, what families can do to support healthier habits, and how creating a safer home environment can help after mobility changes occur.
Important: This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your individual stroke risk.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain becomes blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Without adequate blood and oxygen, brain cells can become damaged within minutes.
The effects of a stroke can vary significantly from person to person.
Some people may experience:
- Weakness or numbness
- Difficulty walking
- Balance problems
- Speech or communication difficulties
- Vision changes
- Problems with coordination
- Difficulty performing everyday movements
For some stroke survivors, these changes can make previously simple activities—such as getting out of bed, walking to the bathroom, or transferring to a chair—more challenging.
8 Factors That Can Increase the Risk of Stroke
1. High Blood Pressure 🩺
High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for stroke.
When blood pressure remains too high over time, it can damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of problems that can lead to stroke. The American Stroke Association recommends knowing your blood pressure and working with your healthcare team to manage it.
Because high blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, regular health checks are important.
2. Smoking and Tobacco Use 🚭
Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke.
Tobacco exposure can contribute to blood vessel damage and other cardiovascular problems. The American Stroke Association recommends avoiding smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke.
If you smoke, talk with your healthcare provider about resources that can help you quit.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes is another important stroke risk factor.
Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and are associated with an increased risk of stroke. Diabetes also commonly occurs alongside other stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Managing blood sugar and following your healthcare provider's treatment recommendations can be an important part of reducing cardiovascular risk.
4. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
When arteries become narrowed or blocked, blood flow to the brain can be affected, potentially increasing the risk of an ischemic stroke.
Regular checkups and appropriate treatment can help identify and manage high cholesterol.
5. Physical Inactivity and Obesity
Not getting enough physical activity can contribute to several conditions associated with stroke risk, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Maintaining an appropriate level of physical activity—based on your age, abilities, and medical situation—can support overall cardiovascular health.
For older adults with mobility limitations, however, exercise and activity plans should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
6. Heart Disease and Atrial Fibrillation
Certain heart conditions can increase stroke risk.
One important example is atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that can allow blood clots to form in the heart. These clots can travel to the brain and cause an ischemic stroke. The CDC notes that AFib is associated with an approximately fivefold increased risk of ischemic stroke.
If you have AFib or another heart condition, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for monitoring and treatment.
7. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure and may increase stroke risk. It can also affect triglyceride levels and overall cardiovascular health.
If you're concerned about your alcohol consumption or stroke risk, discuss your individual situation with a healthcare professional.
8. Previous Stroke or TIA
Having a previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can increase the risk of another stroke.
A TIA may produce stroke-like symptoms that disappear, but it should not be ignored. The American Stroke Association emphasizes that stroke-like symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Can You Reduce Your Risk of Stroke?
Not every stroke risk factor can be controlled.
Age, family history, and certain medical conditions may be outside your control. However, many important risk factors can be managed with appropriate medical care and lifestyle changes.
Depending on your individual health situation, helpful steps may include:
🥗 Eat a balanced diet
Choosing foods lower in saturated fat, trans fat, and excess sodium can support cardiovascular health.
🚶 Stay physically active
Regular physical activity can help support healthy blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
🩺 Monitor your health
Regularly check important health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose when recommended by your healthcare provider.
🚭 Avoid tobacco
Quitting smoking can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.
❤️ Follow your treatment plan
If you have conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or AFib, follow your healthcare professional's recommendations.
What Happens After a Stroke?
Preventing stroke is important, but families also need to understand what happens after a stroke.
Stroke recovery can look very different from one person to another.
Some survivors may experience:
- Reduced strength on one side of the body
- Difficulty standing
- Balance problems
- Limited mobility
- Difficulty transferring between surfaces
- Increased dependence on caregivers
These changes can make everyday activities more physically demanding.
One of the biggest challenges may be something as simple as getting out of bed.
Creating a Safer Home After a Stroke
For families caring for a stroke survivor at home, the bedroom can be an important place to start.
Consider:
✅ Keeping pathways clear
✅ Improving nighttime lighting
✅ Keeping frequently used items within reach
✅ Reducing unnecessary obstacles
✅ Choosing mobility equipment that matches the person's needs
The goal isn't to make the home feel like a medical facility. Instead, thoughtful changes can help create a more accessible environment that supports comfort and independence.
How the StarSleep Arlo Smart Rotating Bed Can Support Home Care After a Stroke
For stroke survivors experiencing mobility challenges, getting in and out of bed can become one of the more difficult parts of the day.
The StarSleep Arlo Smart Rotating Bed is designed to support easier bed transfers at home.
With its one-touch 90° rotation, Arlo helps bring the user toward the bedside and into a more accessible position for sitting and transferring.
Arlo also features:
- 450 lb weight capacity
- Upgraded motor system
- Supportive positioning
- Home-friendly design
- Mobility assistance for everyday transfers
It is important to note that Arlo is not designed to prevent strokes or treat stroke-related medical conditions. Instead, it is a home mobility solution designed to support safer and more manageable daily routines for people who experience mobility limitations.
For families supporting a loved one after a stroke, this distinction is important: medical care addresses the condition, while appropriate home equipment can help address the practical challenges of daily living.
🚨 Arlo Launch Offer: Limited Time
If you're preparing your home for a loved one with changing mobility needs, now is also a great time to explore the StarSleep Arlo Smart Rotating Bed.
For a limited time, our current Arlo launch offer includes the 247 Comfort Bundle.
The bundle is designed to add extra comfort and convenience to your home care setup.
🎁 Waterproof Mattress Cover
🎁 Bedding Sheet Set
🎁 Premium Memory Foam Pillow
This is a limited-time launch offer, so availability may change.
👉 Explore the Arlo Smart Rotating Bed and current launch offer to learn more.
Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke: B.E. F.A.S.T. 🚨
Knowing stroke risk factors is important—but knowing the warning signs of a stroke may be even more important.
The American Stroke Association recommends remembering B.E. F.A.S.T.:
B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E — Eyes: Sudden vision changes
F — Face: Facial drooping or numbness
A — Arm: Sudden weakness or numbness in an arm
S — Speech: Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
T — Time: Call 911 immediately
If you or someone around you experiences possible stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. Stroke is a medical emergency, and rapid treatment matters.
Final Thoughts
So, what would increase the risk of getting a stroke?
Several factors can contribute, including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, certain heart conditions, excessive alcohol use, and a previous stroke or TIA.
While not every risk factor can be controlled, understanding your personal risk and working with a healthcare professional can help you make informed decisions about prevention and overall health.
And for families supporting someone after a stroke, creating a safer and more accessible home can make everyday routines easier.
The StarSleep Arlo Smart Rotating Bed is designed to support safer bed transfers and greater independence for people experiencing mobility challenges at home.
📖 Continue Reading
If you're caring for someone after a stroke and want to learn more about mobility challenges at home, continue with our related guide:
Try These 15 Home Safety Modifications for Stroke Patients to Improve Safety and Make Life Easier
Learn practical ways families and caregivers can support safer transfers, improve the home environment, and make everyday mobility more manageable during stroke recovery.